Historical information

Augustus Bostock was the 9th child of Robert & Rachael Bostock of Vaucluse Epping Forest, Van Diemen’s Land. He was only 4 years old when his mother died. He was inspired by his father to seek his fortune in the Western District of Victoria. He arrived around 1850. He married Margaret Aitkin in July 1865. Augustus owned several properties in the district and leased others. He sat on the court of Warrnambool, Mortlake or Hexham as required. He resided at Marramook in Hawkesdale and later moved to Vaucluse in Hopetoun Road Warrnambool, where he died in 1920 at the age of 87. He was involved in many aspects of life in the Western District, racing, cricket, and social activities to name a few.
According to other documents included in this collection of papers is a lease of Coomete from John Kershaw to Augustus Bostock. This letter relates to an adjustment to the rent and some discussion over the terms of the lease and the control of rabbits.

Significance

This is one of a number of documents which relate to the Bostock family who were one of the most important pioneering families of the Western District. They owned and leased various properties around Warrnambool and were involved in many aspects of social and business life. This letter hi-lights the importance of the rabbit problem as early as 1895 to the extent that it was traded against a sizeable deduction in rent.

Physical description

Cream unlined paper, handwritten in black ink. Watermarked down left side. Writing is quite difficult to read.

Inscriptions & markings

Signed John Kershaw. Dated 24th June* ’95.Addressed to Augustus Bostock.